Fulmer's remarks draw slap on wrist

November 23, 2006

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Southeastern Conference reprimanded Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer Wednesday for saying after a victory over Vanderbilt that the league needs to take a "hard look" at officiating. Commissioner Mike Slive said Fulmer violated the league's code of ethics that prohibits coaches, players and support personnel from publicly criticizing officials. "I have reminded Coach Fulmer of his responsibility to comply with the policies of the SEC and this rule. Any further violation of conference policies of this nature may result in additional penalties," Slive said in a statement issued by the league's office in Birmingham, Ala. Fulmer didn't try to hide his emotions last weekend after his Vols beat Vanderbilt 39-10 because he still was upset over a call in a victory at South Carolina on Oct. 28, and what he believes was a fumble by LSU on the Tigers' game winning drive on Nov. 4. That loss to LSU dropped Tennessee out of the Top 10, and the Vols now are ranked 19th. "I received the expected reprimand from commissioner Slive regarding my comments on officiating this season. I should have worked through the SEC office channels to express my frustrations," Fulmer said in a statement Wednesday.